i-net - IPHCA's SIMIS Network

Provided below is information re: equipment, software and services that are included in the overall cost of participation in the i-net network. More specific information can be obtained from i-net support staff.

Overview. The model for IPHCA's SIMIS Network, is based on a centralized server located in Springfield. All i-net network participants access this server via a T1 Line at the main site. Each site is responsible for the connectivity between the main site and their remotes. IP addressing is assigned by IPHCA, and the IP standards must be adhered to by the participating members. Each site has one A/R database, which means that any reporting is done by location code versus A/R.

NSA Cost. The i-net Network Service Agreement (NSA) currently carries an annual fee that is based on the number of user licenses assigned to the network member. The Network Service fees are paid in quarterly installments. An annual increase, effective the first of October each year, is implemented based on the government’s reporting of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

User Licenses. The issuance of user licenses will be based on the number of total patients served as indicated on the site’s most current UDS report. User licenses are issued at a 1:350 ratio. For example, if the site’s current UDS reports 33,932 total patients served, 97 user licenses would be issued. This is calculated simply by dividing the total number of patients served by 350.

Telecommunication Costs. While the cost of hardware and hardware maintenance is paid by IPHCA, the fees for phone line services are paid by the participant. The sites connect to the main site via a Full T1 Line with Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology. The full T1 is used for data transmission from the site to the central server.

Printer Devices. For the HealthPort software, system printers are connected via an Ethernet interface. The preferred equipment is an HP JetDirect device. These can be purchased either as a stand-alone external device for an Okidata printer or Genicom printer, or can be an internal card for HP LaserJet printers. HealthPort does not recommend directly connecting a printer to either a PC or a terminal. While HealthPort will attempt to make this configuration work, they can not make any guarantees.

Data Conversion. As data conversion is the site’s responsibility, each site must work with HealthPort to receive an estimate and for the details on data conversion. However, this is a one-time charge based on the option selected by the site. There are three data conversion options available:

Demographics only.
Demographics with balance forward.
Full data conversion.

Generally, option #1 is the least expensive, and option #3 is the most expensive. Most sites chose the “demographics only” option, and keep their legacy system to pay down accounts. Unfortunately, there is no way for the balances to be broken out based on Revenue Code, which makes it difficult to determine where the money is to be allocated to the costs of the center.

Potential Additional Costs. Based on the existing configuration of a site, additional costs may be incurred. Those identified after Phase I include:

Serial Communication Port Server. If sites are using terminals, a serial communication port server will be required. DigiPort is the preferred equipment. While HealthPort will attempt to make any existing equipment work, please keep in mind that if the preferred equipment is not used, HealthPort may not be able to assist your site with communication issues.
Additional wiring. Your site must be wired with Category 5 wiring or better. All PCs that access the SIMIS server must be able to have an IP address assigned. The MegaView terminal emulation software is used to access the system via a thin client Telnet session.

In addition to the Category 5 wiring, any additional wiring that is needed to extend D-marcs for the fractional T1 line is the responsibility of the site. We have no way of estimating these costs; please contact a cabling vendor for an estimate.

Additional potential costs to be included in your cost analysis:

Additional wiring (Category 5 and extending telephone lines).
Print servers (a list of system printers multiplied by the cost of the Print server device to make it IP addressable).
DigiPort servers (the number of terminals planning to be used will determine the size of the DigiPort server needed).

Savings to i-net network participants. When estimating the costs of the i-net network, be sure to consider the savings of participating. IPHCA pays for the following services on behalf of i-net network participants:

Server hardware
Server hardware maintenance
WAN hardware
WAN 24/7/4 network monitoring and support
WAN hardware maintenance
HealthPort software support
Software table file and end user training
Daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly archive of data
CPT and ICD9 annual table code updates

In addition, IPHCA also has two full-time staff dedicated to the i-net network and to providing support to the i-net member health center sites. Both staff are certified by HealthPort, and are very capable of providing training and support to i-net members.